The author identifies 10 phases of the principal development pipeline, some of which are seldom acknowledged and many of which are inadequately addressed. The author argues that various stakeholder groups should collaborate to provide continuous professional development to future and current principals through each phase of the pipeline. Examples…

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that served as barriers to principal engagement in the professional development process, and identify what resources or supports were needed to increase engagement. The 249 survey participants were drawn from 112 different school systems. From that group 20 principals were purposefully sampled for…

The assistant principal plays a key role in school success but research suggests there are differences between principals and assistant principals in their perceptions of their roles. The 2011 Teaching, Empowering, Leading, and Learning Kentucky survey responses of educator perceptions were statistically analyzed for the statewide sample of…

This multiple-site case study examined distributed leadership practices of three middle school principals, using observations, interviews, and document analysis. Findings disclosed that the principals built on the interdisciplinary teaming structure to develop empowering organizational structures that promoted democratic governance. Employing…

Researchers for this multisite quantitative study examined the relationships between teacher perceptions of the extent of teacher leadership in a school and the grade level, degree level, and leadership status of the respondents. Data for this study were collected in two administrations in 43 schools in seven U.S. states. To test for differences…

Principals must create the infrastructure to support teacher-leadership roles. They can transform school leadership by creating opportunities for teachers to lead; building professional-learning communities; providing quality, results-driven professional development; and celebrating innovation and teacher expertise. Celebrating innovation and…

A recent study shows that effective middle-level principals identify key teacher leaders and involve them in the decision-making process. Informal teacher leaders are key in developing programs, climate, and curriculum within a school. Without teachers' acceptance, a program is doomed. To initiate change, principals must first sell their concept…

To increase collegiality at a rural upstate New York high school, the principal scheduled informal sessions on various subjects (daily plans, objectives, clarity, and learning principles), based on Saphier and Gower's "The Skillful Teacher" (1993). He then discovered that teacher-led presentations worked even better. (MLH)

To prepare their students for successful futures, teachers must be willing to learn continuously, expand their own abilities, and assume ever greater leadership roles. Principals must create an environment that supports teacher collaboration, facilitates professional development, and recognizes the concept of teacher leadership. (MLH)

Most principals believe their job includes identifying and developing future school leaders. Expectations for principals as teachers of adults are increasing. The 4MAT instructional model provides a user-friendly, research-based structure for principals to design powerful retreats and workshops aimed at increasing leadership behavior among all…

A study of two new middle schools demonstrates that reform is difficult to achieve unless teachers are expert in their work, share their expertise, and seek and create new knowledge to support their work. Leading from the center, school leaders figure significantly in expanding learning and developing community even in "teacher-run"…

Principals play a key role in developing teacher leadership. To identify, develop, and support teacher leaders in their schools, principals should define teacher leadership, be comfortable with teacher leaders, encourage teachers to become leaders, help teachers develop leadership skills, and provide positive and limited constructive feedback.…

Leadership plays an important role in middle-school community members' collaborative efforts. Principals, by valuing and recognizing contributions of each teacher, staff member, student, and parent, give high visibility to the collaborative process. Principals also bolster collaboration by providing necessary support systems and helping…